Community-Based Air Quality Monitoring Framework

2.5 Data Management

Data management can be one of the most complicated technical undertakings in air quality monitoring. These resources offer information and steps on what’s needed for effective and reliable data management and how to select a data management system that best meets a project's needs.

Purpose: Guides about what’s needed for data management and how to select a data management system (DMS).

Resources:

• Data Management System: Introduction to a DMS, key components and functions, and types of DMSs to choose from. (EPA, guidance section, pages 84-89)
• Selecting a Data Management System: Provides more comprehensive support in assessing the costs and limitations of a DMS. (EPA, guidelines, 9 pages)

Common challenges that these resources help address:

Depending on the project, air monitoring can generate a large quantity of data that is difficult to manage and interpret. These resources will help project participants evaluate basic functions and recommended features in different data management systems. Government agency personnel, academic researchers or other experts may be needed to provide data management support for air monitoring project implementation.